In this family movie, the plot centers around the Manzoni family, a notorious Mafia clan from Brooklyn. Following a pivotal event where the father, Giovanni Manzoni (played by Robert De Niro), a former Brooklyn kingpin, becomes a snitch, the family is forced to enter the Witness Protection Program.
Under this program, the Manzoni family is relocated to Normandy, France, in an attempt to start a new, anonymous life away from their past criminal connections.
The Challenge of Fitting In
The core conflict of the film, as highlighted in the summary, is the significant difficulty the Manzoni family faces in adapting to their new, quiet life in Normandy. Their deeply ingrained old habits, characteristic of their Mafia background, die hard.
This leads to various challenges and comedic situations as they struggle to blend in with the local community while their violent and unconventional tendencies keep resurfacing.
Key aspects based on the reference include:
- Family Identity: They are a notorious Mafia clan.
- Circumstance: Relocation under the Witness Protection Program.
- Location: Normandy, France.
- Central Conflict: Difficulty fitting in due to persistent "old habits".
- Father's Role: Giovanni Manzoni was a Brooklyn kingpin who turned informant.
The narrative explores the friction between the family's true nature and the suburban anonymity they are trying to maintain, setting the stage for events where their past inevitably catches up with them or impacts their new environment.
| Aspect | Description Based on Reference |
|---|---|
| Family | The Manzonis, a notorious Mafia clan |
| Reason for Move | Father became a snitch |
| Program | Witness Protection Program |
| New Location | Normandy, France |
| Main Struggle | Fitting in, as old habits are hard to break |
